The Beginning of Everything
An irresistible novel of resilience, hope and unexpected friendships
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4.4 • 10 Ratings
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- £0.99
Publisher Description
Beautiful, heartbreaking, often very funny and entirely unforgettable, The Beginning of Everything is the irresistible new novel from the bestselling author of The Bookshop of Second Chances.
'Raw, real and highly relatable, The Beginning of Everything is a keen observation on humanity and the tenuous nature of modern life. Jess and Gethin's gentle, layered friendship is at the wonderful heart of a warm, witty story about courage, kindness and love in all its forms. Uplifting, engaging and extraordinarily insightful!' JULIETTA HENDERSON
'Equal parts hilarious and sobworthy, it's a poignant tale of what it means to rebuild after losing everything' JESSICA RYN
'Hugely enjoyable’ KATIE FFORDE
For fans of The Keeper of Stories, The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes and A Thousand Roads Home, The Beginning of Everything is the story of Jess and Gethin, whose paths cross in the most unexpected way. Jess is running, leaving all she knows and everyone she loves behind her, with just a few treasured belongings in her rucksack. She’s escaping from the pain and trauma of a bad relationship with a bad man, gone very badly wrong. Gethin’s kindness and care takes her breath away. They become friends. But with so much hurt in her past, can Jess learn to love and live again?
'Tender, unexpected and poignant' MY WEEKLY
'The Beginning of Everything is immersive, emotional and makes the world a better place. A story of love and friendship, trust and hope, with characters not easily forgotten' THE PEOPLE'S FRIEND
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Jess Cavendish is the down-on-her-luck heroine of Fraser's compulsively readable latest (after The Bookshop of Second Chances). After leaving her abusive boyfriend, Jess has been sleeping in a tent in Caerwyddon, Wales, until she stumbles across a recently sold house not yet occupied by its new owner and decides to squat. Said owner, Gethin Thomas, has been living with his sister following a difficult breakup from his TV star ex, so he's eager for a fresh start—and to renovate his new home. When he discovers Jess on the property, he surprises her by offering to let her stay on as his housemate. (Jess insists on paying rent using her meager dishwasher's salary.) As Gethin seeks her advice on paint colors and decor, the pair become fast friends, bonding amid trips to nearby castles and quiet weekends enjoying each other's company. Love soon follows, but after spending a night together, Jess fears she isn't ready for a new romance. Insecurities and misunderstandings on all sides threaten the emotional closeness the pair shared before they had sex. Can they find a way to smoothly transition from friends to lovers? Fraser refreshingly highlights everyday pleasures and problems as she traces the romance between two lonely people who couldn't be more well matched. It's as believable as it is heartwarming.
Customer Reviews
Love love love!
I ironically can’t put into words why l love reading books by this author - they just have such a charming and endearing way to them. I couldn’t put this book down as loved all the build up in the characters!